Things to do in New York City that Theatre Fans will LOVE (minus seeing a show)

When visiting New York City, the first thing in that comes to mind is seeing a Broadway show! But what else can you do to get in the spirit of Broadway and embrace your love for musicals in the city without spending as much money?

1. Visit Schmackary's!

Located on 362 W 45th Street, Schmackary's is an awesome cookie kitchen to stop in to! Filled with delicious cookies that have a huge range of flavors, it's known as a location that Broadway actors tend to be spotted in often or even working behind the counter!

Not only will you find delicious treats here, but you may also have a star encounter!

2. Visit Theatre Circle or One Shubert Alley!

Two awesome stores filled with Broadway merch and more! Theatre Circle is located on 268 W 44th Street while One Shubert Alley is located in Shubert Alley in between 44th and 45th Street!

If you're a huge theatre fan, walking into one of these stores will feel like a dream. You can find lots of things from sheet music to Lights of Broadway Show cards and posters! Both an be found close to theaters, so be sure to stop in next time you're going to a show or just window shopping!

3. Dining with a Theatre Theme: go to Ellen's Stardust Diner!

Located in 1650 Broadway, if you haven't dined here yet you can't miss out! Not only do they have delectable diner styled food, they also have a SINGING wait staff! Wouldn't it be great to have your waitress riffing out Satisfied from Hamilton while serving your table (this has personally happened to me)?

The talent at the diner is incredible, and some of the wait staff even go on to be Broadway singers and actors!

For any Broadway fan, this has to be on your to-do list next time you're in the city!

4. Dining with a Theatre Theme: go to Sardi's Restaurant!

You may remember this restaurant from the Muppet's movie, but did you know it's also home to various hand drawn portraits of well known Broadway actors?

Go dine in style at Sardi's and look for portraits of actors you know! You may even find Kermit the Frog's own picture from the Muppet movie!

5. Radio City Stagedoor Tour

Radio City Music Hall, home to the annual Tony Awards that celebrate the magic of Broadway, the Rockette's Christmas Spectacular, and more! This tour shows you all kinds of behind the scenes magic that theatre lovers will be crazy about! You get to tour dressing rooms, rehearsal spaces, see the theater, and even meet and get a picture with a Rockette! Don't miss out on seeing the behind the scenes magic of one of the most well known music halls!

6. Ask for a Playbill at the theater's Box Office!

If you're like me and are a Playbill collector, you will love this one.

A trick that I have learned and done in the past is going around to each Broadway theater's Box Office and asking politely if I could have a Playbill from the show! If you are polite and respectful, most of the time the staff in the office will give you one or two Playbills from the show! I have even gotten some rare Playbills some of the time such as a Hello Dolly! Original Revival Cast Playbill with Bette Midler and a special edition Kinky Boots 5th Anniversary white playbill!

It's always a blast and exciting to go around the city to each theater and getting a haul of Playbills!

7. Go Stagedoor!

Not seeing a show, but still want to see your favorite actor? Go stagedoor!

Find out what time the show you're planning to stagedoor will end and wait outside in line for the actors to come out! Bring a pen and paper, or even get a Playbill from the Box Office as I said above and politely ask the actor for an autograph!

Be respectful at the stagedoor and remember that it isn't necessary for an actor to stagedoor, they are doing it to be kind to the fans so be kind to them in return!

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I hope these help next time you're in the city and looking for musical related activities to do! :)